The Australian football legend who infamously never played for the Socceroos has remained closely involved with the game in England following his retirement, so he brings a wealth of experience to Southern Expansion in an advisory role. 

Johnston won five league titles, an FA Cup and a European Cup during his time at the club, and his renowned his work ethic and never-say-die attitude maintains him among the English giants all-time fan favourites.

Southern Expansion Head of Football, Craig Foster, was delighted Johnston decided to join the expansion candidates, with a decision on two new clubs set to be made in October.

“Having Craig join the team at Southern strengthens our programs aimed at developing the finest, technical young players in the Southern Region, providing them with pathways to A-League and W-League football and a career at the highest levels of the game,” Foster said.

“Craig was a trailblazer in the world of football and his years of experience and extraordinary success at Liverpool along with his internationally famous dedication, perseverance and commitment to improving daily as a player will prove to be a great benchmark for our young boys and girls dreaming of emulating his achievements."

The Southern Expansion bid has retained a high-profile largely due to drawing the support of many Australian footballing luminaries, however faces stiff competition from Wollongong Wolves for an A-League franchise in southern New South Wales.

Foster believes securing Johnston's experience is key to showcasing the bid's innovation. 

“Aside from being one of our greatest ever, Craig is demonstrably one of the game’s foremost thinkers, innovators and creative minds on a global level, and these are the prime attributes we are seeking in all of our staff and contributors to the club.

“We welcome Craig to the Southern family.”